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As outbreaks of colds and flu peak in the UK in January and February, the sniffle season officially begins in early October.
Schools and nurseries are good places for sprouting. Newcomers to the class make friends for the first time with colds and cold flu. But there is one simple thing that parents can do to keep insects at bay …
British pharmacist Shamir Patel urges parents to take their children out of their uniforms and take a bath or shower as soon as they return to school. And he says that it will not only reduce infections, but will also help to "decontaminate" the house.
Shamir, founder of the online chemist www.chemist-4-u.com and himself a father of three, explained, "For some, this trick will look like a tale of old women. But there is actually a very strong logic, and I think it would help reduce the number of cold and flu infections in the UK.
"We know that rhinoviruses, a cold-causing virus, can persist on the skin and remain infectious for more than an hour after the first exposure. It can also linger on surfaces and clothing.
"Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), another cold-like virus, can survive on work surfaces and doorknobs for six hours, on clothing for one hour and on the skin for 20 minutes. "But when you take your children out of their clothes and into the bath or shower as soon as they arrive at school – and before they start preparing dinner – they do not have the chance to spread the bacteria throughout the house.
"This will probably prevent other members of your family from getting sick in the process – and it's such a simple way to defeat insects." Wash any tissue that may be contaminated with bacteria or viruses at 60 ° C, preferably bleach-based laundry product.
"And remember – you must decontaminate your home to prevent it from becoming a crucible for a whole host of unpleasant diseases."
Shamir says his tactics will also help reduce stomach bugs.
He adds: "Bacteria such as salmonella and campylobacteria can cause intense episodes of food poisoning in young and old alike.
"And these germs can survive for about four hours on fabrics like school uniforms.
"Meanwhile, norovirus and C. difficile can survive much longer than that. A recent study showed how C. difficile can survive for five months on certain surfaces.
"Again, if you can stop the spread by taking precautionary measures as soon as children walk through the front door, you will have a much higher chance of not succumbing. "It is also essential to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, especially after using the toilet, and to prepare food safely."
The flu shot is free on the NHS for children over six months old with a long-term health problem. It is also free for children aged two and three on August 31, 2018 and children in the host class and years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 – young people are considered "super-spreaders".
Children aged six months to two years receive an influenza vaccine by injection, while children aged two to 17 receive a flu shot with nasal spray.
Earlier this month, Public Health England unveiled a new "enhanced" influenza vaccine for over 65s that will protect against three influenza strains. Professor Jane Cummings, head nurse for England, said: "In the worst flu season in 10 years, NHS staff have done a great job in providing patient care.
"This year, the public will be better protected from the flu than ever before, with at-risk groups getting the most effective vaccine available and every NHS staff member waiting to receive their vaccine."
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